Several honored at heart walk
(pictured above: The walkers begin their trek through Tanglewood Park.)
By Wednesday, Nov. 19, the American Heart Association hopes to raise $500,000 from its recently held Tanglewood Heart and Stroke Walk.
Nearly 4,000 dedicated supporters attended the American Heart Association’s 2014 walk, sponsored by Wake Forest Baptist Health, on Saturday, Oct. 18, raising more than $450,000 for heart disease and stroke research and prevention education programs. Donations are expected to continue through next week.
“It was amazing to see the tremendous amount of support from our community. The crowd looked like an ocean of walkers! This support is key as we push to improve care for patients with heart and stroke disorders,” said Dr. Chadwick Miller of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and co-chairman of this year’s Heart & Stroke Walk.
Dr. James Hoekstra of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and co-chairman of the walk said: “Heart disease and stroke touches all of us, and the dollars that are raised for research and new medical advancements benefits all of us.”
The American Heart Association’s Lifestyle Change Awards recognize individuals who have made positive changes to improve their quality of life and health, and influenced those around them to do the same.
The 2014 Lifestyle Change Awards, sponsored by HanesBrands, were announced at the walk. Nominations were submitted and the winner was chosen by committee.
HanesBrands’ Cheryl Lindsay and Dr. Jim Hoekstra of Wake Forest Baptist Health present the Lifestyle Change Award to Greg Martin (center).
Greg Martin was named the 2014 Lifestyle Change Award Winner. Nominated by the YMCA, Greg struggled with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and diabetes. At his heaviest, Greg weighed 400 pounds and just standing was exhausting. He knew he had to make a change.
Greg started walking to the end of his driveway, moved on to walking down to the end of his street, and then joined the William White Family YMCA and began walking the track. It took Greg one month to walk his first mile – and then in just two and a half months, he had walked his 100th mile. Now he walks three miles every day. He has even started his own walking club – inspiring others to take that difficult first step toward getting healthier.
Amy Thornton of Gentiva and Yasser Youssef, president of The Budd Group, received 2014 Lifestyle Change Award Honorary Mentions for their efforts with making heart healthy choices and encouraging those around them to do the same.
Brianna Greenwood
Brianna Greenwood, 9 years old, was recognized as the 2014 Kid’s Lifestyle Change Award Winner. She has changed the foods and drinks that she consumes, cutting out almost all refined sugars, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. Brianna chooses more natural foods, fruits and vegetables over processed foods and chooses water over soft drinks.
Brianna has helped her whole family make these heart-healthy changes and encourages her friends to also read food labels and recognize what is in the food and drinks they consume. Her healthy changes have significantly improved her mood and her stomach issues.
Brianna is also receiving a brand new bike, courtesy of Phonetree.
Donations are being accepted for the Tanglewood Heart and Stroke Walk at www.tanglewoodheartwalk.org.
